90th Birthday Party Ideas for Women

Turning 90 years old is quite an achievement. So celebrating such a big milestone is a must.

But planning a 90th birthday party for a woman can be trickier than other birthday parties. For something like a 30th it’s a lot simpler (hint: lots of alcohol!)

So if you’re finding it hard to decide on a theme or need some inspiration for a 90th birthday party we’re here to help. The ideas and themes below include all you need to get started. With details of decorations, the dress code and activities you’ll find everything you need to host an unforgettable 90th birthday party for a special woman.

1. Garden Tea Party

Hosting a garden tea party offers an elegant setting to celebrate this significant milestone.

Dress Code

• Ladies: Floral dresses or pastel-colored attire with sun hats.
• Gentlemen: Lightweight suits or smart casual wear.

Activities

• Live Acoustic Music: Hire a local musician to play soft background music, enhancing the ambiance.
• Memory Sharing: Encourage guests to share cherished memories or stories involving the birthday honoree.
• Photo Booth: Set up a vintage-themed photo booth with props for guests to capture moments.

Decorations

• Floral Arrangements: Adorn tables with fresh flowers in teapots or vintage vases.
• Lace Tablecloths: Use lace or embroidered tablecloths to add a touch of elegance.
• String Lights: Hang fairy lights or lanterns to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

2. Jazz Themed Soiree

Transport guests back to the jazz era with a lively and sophisticated evening.

Dress Code

• Ladies: Flapper dresses, feathered headbands and pearls.
• Gentlemen: Pinstripe suits, fedoras and bow ties.

Activities

• Live Jazz Band: Hire a jazz band to perform classics from the 1920s and 1930s.
• Dance Floor: Set up a space for guests to dance to swing and jazz tunes.
• Cocktail Hour: Serve period-appropriate cocktails like martinis and gin fizzes.

Decorations

• Art Deco Decor: Incorporate geometric patterns and gold accents.
• Vintage Posters: Display posters of famous jazz musicians and venues.
• Candlelight: Use candles to create a soft, intimate lighting effect.

3. Family Heritage Celebration

Celebrate the honoree’s life by focusing on family heritage and traditions.

Dress Code

Traditional Clothes: Encourage guests to wear clothing that reflects the family’s cultural background.

Activities

• Storytelling Session: Invite family members to share stories and anecdotes from the past.
• Ancestry Display: Create a family tree chart showcasing generations.
• Recipe Sharing: Compile a cookbook of family recipes for guests to take home.

Decorations

• Cultural Artifacts: Display items that represent the family’s heritage.
• Photo Collage: Assemble a collage of family photographs through the decades.
• Themed Table Settings: Use tableware and linens that reflect cultural motifs.

4. Movie Night Under the Stars

Combine nostalgia and relaxation with an outdoor movie screening of the honoree’s favorite classic films.

Dress Code

Comfortable Casual: Encourage guests to dress comfortably and bring blankets or lawn chairs.

Activities

• Classic Film Screening: Show a selection of the honoree’s favorite movies.
• Popcorn Stand: Set up a station with various popcorn flavors and toppings.
• Memory Lane Slideshow: Before the movie, display a slideshow of photos highlighting significant moments in the honoree’s life.

Decorations

• Projector and Screen: Rent or set up a large screen and projector for viewing.
• Twinkling Lights: Decorate the area with string lights to create a magical atmosphere.
• Comfort Stations: Provide cushions, blankets and insect repellent for guest comfort.

5. Afternoon High Tea

An afternoon high tea offers a sophisticated and relaxed setting to honor the birthday lady.

Dress Code

• Ladies: Elegant dresses with hats or fascinators.
• Gentlemen: Smart casual attire with optional ties.

Activities

• Tea Tasting: Offer a variety of teas from around the world for guests to sample.
• Live Pianist: Hire a pianist to play soft background music.
• Keepsake Book: Provide a guestbook for attendees to write messages and well-wishes.

Decorations

• Fine China: Use elegant teacups, saucers and plates.
• Floral Centerpieces: Adorn tables with fresh flower arrangements.
• Linen Napkins: Provide cloth napkins for an added touch of class.

6. Bingo Extravaganza

For a fun celebration try hosting a bingo night that fits with the guest of honor’s interests.

Dress Code

Casual Comfort: Encourage guests to wear comfortable clothing suitable for a relaxed evening.

Activities

• Personalized Bingo Cards: Create bingo cards featuring milestones or events from the honoree’s life (e.g., wedding day, first grandchild, favorite hobbies etc).
• Prizes for Winners: Offer small but meaningful prizes like gift cards, scented candles, or custom mugs.
• Trivia Breaks: Between bingo rounds, host trivia questions about the honoree’s life to keep guests engaged.

Decorations

• Themed Tables: Set up tables with tablecloths in the honoree’s favorite colors and personalized centerpieces.
• Bingo Boards: Use oversized bingo boards as wall decorations.
• Festive Balloons: Include balloons with “90” printed on them to highlight the occasion.

7. 1950s Nostalgia Party

Throw it back to the 1950s for a nostalgic and fun-filled celebration. It’s a great way to incorporate music, fashion and memories from the honoree’s youth.

Dress Code

• Ladies: Poodle skirts, polka dot dresses and neck scarves.
• Gentlemen: Leather jackets, white T-shirts and jeans.

Activities

• Sock Hop Dance-Off: Clear space for a dance floor and encourage guests to show off their best 1950s moves.
• Photo Wall: Create a backdrop with records, jukebox props and vintage cars for photo opportunities.
• Trivia Quiz: Host a quiz with questions about 1950s pop culture, like famous movies, songs and actors.

Decorations

• Record Centerpieces: Use vinyl records as table centerpieces or hang them from the ceiling.
• Jukebox Corner: Rent a jukebox or create a faux one as a decoration.
• Retro Colors: Use a color scheme of pink, teal and black for an authentic 1950s vibe.

8. Memory Lane Walk

A “Memory Lane” party is a touching way to celebrate 90 years of life by highlighting the honoree’s journey and achievements.

Dress Code

Classic Elegance: Semi-formal attire with subtle vintage elements.

Activities

• Memory Stations: Set up tables dedicated to different decades of the honoree’s life, featuring photos, memorabilia and achievements.
• Video Montage: Play a slideshow or video with contributions from family and friends, including heartfelt messages.
• Storytelling Hour: Invite close family and friends to share stories or read letters about the honoree.

Decorations

• Timeline Wall: Create a wall showcasing major milestones, from birth to present day.
• Photo Garlands: Hang garlands of pictures from different years along the walls.
• Vintage Decor: Incorporate antique frames, typewriters and other vintage items.

9. Cruise Ship-Themed Party

Bring the fun and relaxation of a cruise ship to your venue with this theme.

Dress Code

Nautical Attire: Guests can wear navy-and-white stripes, sailor hats and breezy summer outfits.

Activities

• Mini Shuffleboard: Set up a small shuffleboard court for a classic cruise activity.
• Mocktail Bar: Offer a variety of non-alcoholic cocktails with tropical garnishes.
• Live Entertainment: Hire a performer, like a singer or comedian, to mimic cruise-style entertainment.

Decorations

• Ocean Backdrops: Use blue and white streamers or a backdrop of the sea.
• Anchor and Lifebuoy Props: Place nautical props around the venue.
• Seashell Centerpieces: Use seashells and sand-filled vases for table decor.

10. Charity Fundraiser Party

Turn the 90th birthday into an event that gives back to the community, celebrating a lifetime of generosity and kindness.

Dress Code

Elegant Formal: Guests can wear evening gowns and suits for a black-tie vibe.

Activities

• Silent Auction: Collect donated items and experiences to auction off, with proceeds going to the honoree’s favorite charity.
• Donation Jar: Set up a donation station for guests to contribute.
• Honoree’s Speech: Allow the honoree to share why the chosen cause is meaningful to her.

Decorations

• Charity Banners: Display information about the charity to inspire guests.
• Elegant Decor: Use chic, minimalistic decorations like white tablecloths and fresh flowers.
• Thank-You Favors: Provide small thank-you gifts, such as charity pins or tokens.

These ideas should give you a great staring to of ways to celebrate a 90th birthday. Remember that the most important thing is to honor the guest of honor’s preferences. Choose what you know they will like and create a space filled with love, laughter and wonderful memories.